Columbus Blue Jackets Tickets

Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the NHL.

Franchise history
On June 23, 2000, the Jackets and the Minnesota Wild, took part in the 2000 NHL Expansion Draft in Calgary, Alberta. The Atlanta Thrashers and Nashville Predators both had their full rosters protected as they had only been in existence for one and two years, respectively. Both the Jackets and Wild were to use their first 24 selections.

The Blue Jackets selected goaltender from the Colorado Avalanche. Over the course of the draft, Columbus picked up Dwayne Roloson, Lyle Odelein, Mathieu Schneider, and Geoff Sanderson, Turner Stevenson, and Dallas Drake. Roloson signed with the Worcester IceCats, Schneider left for the Los Angeles Kings, and the St. Louis Blues signed Drake.

The 2002-03 NHL season with Columbus putting up a 7-5-1-1 record after the first fourteen games. But the team came back to mediocrity, finishing in the Central Division's basement for the third consecutive season and missing the playoffs once again. Dave King was fired midseason and replaced by general manager Doug MacLean. Marc Denis was given the starting job and played a franchise record seventy-seven games that season.2003-04 was another disappointing season for the Blue Jackets. Checking center Todd Marchant was signed to a five-year contract in July from the Edmonton Oilers and offensive defenseman Darryl Sydor was acquired from Dallas for Mike Sillinger and a draft pick. MacLean stepped aside as head coach 33 games into the season, giving way to Gerard Gallant. The Jackets finished with just 62 points, the second-lowest total in their short history.

In the summer of 2005, rugged Colorado Avalanche defenseman Adam Foote agreed to a multi-year deal with the team. It appeared the Jackets would finally take the next step and make the playoffs. But injuries to Nash, Klesla, and the team's 2005 first-round pick Gilbert Brule led to the team putting up a dismal 9-25-1 record through their first 35 games. Superstar Sergei Fedorov was acquired from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, but they failed to make the postseason. Todd Marchant was claimed off waivers by the Ducks to complete the Fedorov trade; as well, Anaheim received Tyler Wright and Fran?ois Beauchemin. They had the best record for the month of January, and a franchise record of wins and points for the season. They also ended in 3rd place in the Central Division.

In the 2006 offseason, Marc Denis was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning for forward Fredrik Modin and goalie prospect Fredrik Norrena. The Blue Jackets also added depth to their young team by signing Anson Carter. However, General Manager Doug MacLean and Zherdev were able to comprise and agree upon a 3-year, $7.5-million dollar contract. On November 13, 2006, Gerard Gallant was fired and Gary Agnew was his replacement. On Wednesday, November 22, Ken Hitchcock was named the new head coach.

Then, in the 06-07 season, on December 10, 2006, the Blue Jackets scored a team record five power-play goals against the Ottawa Senators in a 6-2 win. On April 3, 2007, the Blue Jackets won with a 0-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. As of 2007, the Blue Jackets are currently the only active team in the NHL to have never qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

On April 18th, 2007, Doug MacLean was fired. Mike Priest was named President of the club while Jim Clark was named interim General Manager. On June 15, 2007, the Blue Jackets named Scott Howson as the team's new general manager.

Team Name and Uniforms
The team logo is a stylized version of the Ohio Flag which became the primary as part of a Reebok-sponsored redesign for the 2007-2008 season.